SVP, Design & Development

Convene Hospitality Group; New York (NY); On-site; USD 250,000 - 285,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Wellness benefits

PTO & parental leave

401(k) with company match

Equity package

Annual bonus eligibility

Job summary

Convene Hospitality Group in New York City is seeking an SVP, Design & Development to lead global expansion by turning site opportunities into high-ROI assets through brand-driven design, engineering discipline, and rigorous budgeting.

Reporting to the CGO, you will direct a global network of designers, architects, and engineers, own the development budget, and drive cross-functional collaboration with Real Estate, Finance, Operations, and Legal to meet schedule and financial targets while

Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressive leadership in real estate development and construction.
• Strong foundation in engineering or architecture with understanding of structural, MEP, and site infrastructure systems.
• Experience implementing Agile/Scrum project management within physical construction and development.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead development lifecycle delivering on time and on budget through technical excellence and rigorous project management.
• Partner with Real Estate for deep technical and cost feasibility for potential sites; ensure infrastructure supports design standards and brand requirements.
• Build and execute systems to develop new locations and enter new markets with consistency and brand clarity.
• Own the global development budget and implement estimating, cost management, and value engineering practices to meet or exceed build cost and return thresholds.
• Direct a global network of designers, architects, engineers, and contractors, holding partners to brand standards and budget requirements.
• Lead and mentor a distributed team, fostering curiosity, excellence and continuous learning.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Agile/Scrum

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Architecture/Construction Management

Job description

Overview

Convene Hospitality Group (CHG) operates a global portfolio of lifestyle brands focused on creating places and experiences that bring people together. The company designs, develops, and operates hospitality-driven destinations to host gatherings of all kinds, ranging from small corporate meetings to immersive brand activations and beyond. We love bringing people together in person, and that passion for great experiences extends to our employees as well. If you are interested in creating inspiring moments of connection, consider joining our team.

SVP, Design & Development

The Role

Convene Hospitality Group is entering a new phase of global growth following a $230 million financing round and the appointment of Fortune 500 leadership to our executive team. As we scale our multi-brand event and hospitality platform, we are looking for a senior leader to oversee the physical realization of our portfolio. This role focuses on development: transforming site identification into high-ROI assets through brand-led design, engineering discipline, process rigor, and fiscal control.

Reporting to the Chief Growth Officer, you will manage a high-performing team and work across the organization to ensure our expansion is scalable and financially sound.

What You’ll Do

Process & Analysis

• Define and lead a development lifecycle that delivers consistent results—on time and on budget—through technical excellence and rigorous project management.
• Partner with Real Estate to conduct deep technical and cost feasibility for potential sites, ensuring infrastructure and local conditions support our design standards and brand requirements.
• Build and execute the systems and processes required to develop new locations and enter new markets with consistency and brand clarity.

Fiscal and Operational Rigor

• Own the global development budget and implement estimating, cost management, and value engineering practices to meet or exceed build cost and return thresholds.
• Own and manage the critical path of our complex multi-site project pipeline, working with the team and third parties to ensure delivery timelines are met.
• Direct a global network of designers, architects, engineers, and contractors, holding partners accountable to brand standards, design typology, and budget requirements.

Leadership and Communication

• Work cross-functionally and communicate clearly with Real Estate, Finance, Operations, and Legal to gather inputs and facilitate alignment.
• Provide consistent, succinct, data-driven updates to the CGO, leadership team and board regarding project health, capital spend, timelines and risks.
• Lead and mentor a distributed team of professionals, fostering a culture of curiosity, excellence and continuous learning.

What We Look For

• 15 plus years of progressive leadership in real estate development and construction, with a track record of scaling multi-unit hospitality or premium retail brands across diverse markets.
• A strong foundation in engineering and/or architecture with a deep understanding of structural, MEP, and site infrastructure systems.
• Practical experience implementing Agile or Scrum project management frameworks within physical construction and development.
• Expert level budget management with the ability to treat capital expenditure with the same rigor as an operator treats a P&L.
• The ability to communicate complex technical or financial issues clearly and succinctly to non-technical stakeholders and executive leadership.
• Proven ability to drive results within a matrixed corporate structure, using influence and expertise to move projects forward.
• A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, or Construction Management is preferred.

Location and travel: The role requires residence within commuting distance of New York City for regular collaboration, with travel as needed to oversee site transformations and regional project milestones.

Compensation & Benefits

Base Salary Range: $250,000 – $285,000 per year. Note: Final base salary will be determined based on experience, skills, and qualifications.

Bonus Eligibility: Eligible for an annual performance-based bonus with a target potential of 50% of base salary.

Equity: Executive-level (SVP) equity package; details provided during the interview process.

The information reflects the anticipated base salary range and may vary by location. Individual pay is based on skills, experience and other relevant factors.

Benefits highlights

• Health & Wellness: Day-one health coverage for you and your family, 24/7 virtual care, emotional well-being support, and fertility & family planning benefits.
• Time Off & Balance: Generous PTO, birthday off, paid parental leave, and a year-end holiday closure.
• Financial Growth: 401(k) with company match and support for education, courses, and certifications.
• Development & Recognition: Ongoing career growth opportunities and recognition programs.
• Community & Impact: Volunteer and give-back opportunities.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Convene Hospitality Group is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.